The Rays optioned RHP Jake Odorizzi to Triple-A Durham after Tuesday's game because they need to add a reliever to help the worn-out bullpen, which has been taxed the past two days.

Odorizzi, who has made two starts in place of injured LHP David Price, was scheduled to start Saturday. There will be a reliever called up by Wednesday in Miami, with LHP Alex Torres a possibility. They haven't decided on Saturday's starter, could go with Torres or, more likely, call up Chris Archer.

Odorizzi said he was disappointed, wanting to get another chance after struggling a bit in two starts. But it was out of his control.

"Even if I had got the win (Monday), it wouldn't really have mattered. It wasn't a reflection of my outings, or anything. They just needed somebody. And I'm the lucky guy."

About the blog

The Tampa Bay Rays will head into the 2015 season with Evan Longoria, Chris Archer, Alex Cobb and plenty of new faces, including manager Kevin Cash. Can they upend the Orioles in the highly competitive AL East? Come here to follow Rays news at Tropicana Field and beyond.